Maharashtra must preserve village traditions while strengthening rural infrastructure: Ashish Shelar

Mumbai, Oct 9 (UNI) Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar has emphasised the need to protect the state's traditional village fairs and festivals while ensuring that rural areas benefit from modern infrastructure and overall development. He said these celebrations contribute significantly to Maharashtra's cultural heritage, community relationships and rural economy, besides providing opportunities for local artists, artisans and small businesses. Shelar was speaking at a programme organised to release three publications brought out by the Gazetteers Department under the Maharashtra State Gazetteers series. The books, titled Fairs and Festivals: Konkan Division, Fairs and Festivals: Western Maharashtra and Vedic Hydrology,…